Post by : Meena
Hassan
During a recent episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live! on November 11, Jimmy Kimmel became visibly emotional as he honored his longtime friend and bandleader, Cleto Escobedo II. Escobedo, who had been leading Cleto and the Cletones, the show's house band since 2003, sadly passed away earlier that day due to complications related to a liver transplant.
“This is undoubtedly the most challenging monologue I’ve ever had to perform,” Kimmel shared, his voice filled with emotion. “We’ve been broadcasting for nearly 23 years, and while I've faced tough moments before, this one stands out as the hardest.”
Expressing his grief, the late-night host stated that the entire team was “devastated” by Escobedo’s unexpected departure. “It’s just not fair,” he lamented.
According to People, Kimmel and Escobedo's friendship dates back to their childhood, with their bond strengthening over more than twenty years of working together on Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Earlier, Kimmel took to Instagram to express his sorrow over his friend's passing. “It’s an understatement to say we’re heartbroken,” he wrote. “Cleto was a remarkable friend, father, son, musician, and man. We’ve been inseparable since I was nine. To have worked alongside him daily has been a dream we never thought would come true.”
Escobedo's warmth, humor, and musical talent had become a crucial part of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, endearing him to both the production team and fans alike.
English
